Nico stepped in behind him, scratching his head. “And our things? Passports? The hotel?”
“All packed. Ready to go.” I forced a smile. “You don’t have to worry about anything.”
They exchanged a glance—arrogant, satisfied. “Good,” Mike said. “We expect you to stay here and behave once we’re gone. Guard the house. Don’t embarrass us.”
“Of course,” I said. My voice was sugar, but my chest felt like fireworks. “And don’t worry. Maybe you’ll find a cute keychain for me.”
Nico snorted, patting my shoulder like I was a faithful dog. “Sure, we’ll get you a keychain.” He turned away, already done with me.
The next morning, the house buzzed with fake happiness. Luggage dragged across marble, laughter echoing off walls that would soon be empty. Sasha twirled in the hallway, all perfume and pretend sweetness.
“Sis,” she purred, pressing a kiss to my cheek that made my skin crawl. “Don’t worry, we’ll send you photos from the castle. Micah’s going to love it.”
I nodded, hands folded to keep them from shaking. But then my eyes caught something on her wrist. A thin gold bracelet with a small ruby clasp. My father’s bracelet. The last thing he’d given me.
“That’s mine,” I said quietly.